The Government of Manitoba announced it will add 100 supportive recovery beds to the provincial health-care system as part of an effort to strengthen mental health and addiction services.
Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cam Friesen said that the government is committed to improving mental health and addictions services so that Manitobans going through recovery get the support they need and successfully transition back into the community.
“By adding 100 new supportive housing beds, we will give Manitobans who have completed treatment a better chance of successfully rebuilding their lives.
Studies have shown that supportive recovery housing is successful in reducing relapse rates by providing people with stable housing and a safe place to live when they have completed addictions treatment.
The Request for Proposals will be posted by the end of the year, and it will focus on both rural and urban areas to expand system capacity. Successful organizations will receive funding to contribute to capital and operational costs, with awards being finalized in the spring.
There are seven organizations that currently receive funding to provide supportive recovery housing to a total of 174 people per year. Friesen said that the additional investment will be determined via the tendering process, and will address the increasing demand for service.
The initiative was first promised during the summer as part of the government’s Safer Streets, Safer Lives Action Plan.
Both the VIRGO and Illicit Drug Task Force cited the need to add beds to help meet the demand in rural and urban areas.
“Today’s announcement reflects our continuing all-of-government approach to support those living with substance use and addictions issues,” said Friesen. “We will continue to provide that help with additional and enhanced services that help Manitobans struggling with mental health and addictions with further investments in the days ahead.”
The province has invested approximately $20.6 million into improving mental health and addictions services this year, including making 12 announcements in a 7-week span.
